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Barrie Ontario

Dr. Ahmad Nasri, Holistic/complementary/alternative MD, 730 Essa Road, Barrie, Ontario L4N 9E9, ph-705-735-2354 fax-705-735-2716, nasri-integrativemed.com / nasrichelation@rogers.com

"Dr. Nasri is a homeopathic doctor, and was a licensed surgeon in the Dominican Republic. Nasri Integrative Medicine combines conventional and complementary medicine, with Dr, Leonard Direnfeld on staff as the medical doctor. Thyroid, hormonal, and patient investigation is thorough,and patients find comfort in knowing they have full access to both sides of medicine. Clinics are in the south end of Barrie and in Woodbridge. Dr. Nasri is in Scarborough twice monthly with Dr. Direnfeld." (May 2008)

Burnaby BC

Dr. Rod Santos, Naturopathic Physician, 4071 Kingsway, V6B 5Z4, 604 439-1230, drsantos@telus.net. www.centralparknaturopathic.com. A reader writes: "I went to Dr. Santos because of my inability to lose weight. After careful evaluation and blood tests, he noted that my thyroid was not working optimally. He suggested me to take a few grains of desiccated thryoid twice a day. Within 4 month I lost weight and I feel great! I've been suffering for so many years, I wish I saw Dr. Santos sooner. I've never had a doctor that was so compassionate to my problems. Every other doctor I went to said I was fine and wanted to put me on anti-depressants." (Added 6/05)

A reader writes:
"I found Dr. Santos because of this site and I am thankful. I was so happy to find someone who was able to finally help me. I've been suffering from hypothyroid symptoms for years and no one believed me. Dr. Santos tested me and discovered I had a low functioning thyroid. After months of IV treatments and thyroid supplementation I can finally say I have my life back!" (Added 1/06)

Calgary, Alberta

A reader recommends Dr. Kim Wilmot, MD, Licensed Medical Dr. Using Holistic Medicine Centre for Preventive Medicine, 202-- 4411 16th Ave. N.W., Calgary-- Alberta Canada-- T3B 0M3, 403 286-7311 / 403 286-7437. "Not covered by AHC. Charges $180.00 Cdn. / hour. Well worth the money. Listened to everything I had to say. Ran all kinds of blood tests for Thyroid -- female hormones-- male hormones and is going to run a test for mercury in my system. Took me off estrogen and kept me on natural progesterone. First Dr. to test T3. Was very concerned about depression and suggested Sam e." (NOTE from Mary Shomon: Dr. Wilmot is not a thyroid specialist or endocrinologist, but rather a more general holistic practitioner who deals with overall health and hormonal imbalances. Please be aware of this if you are looking for a endocrinologist or thyroid specialist.)

Delta, British Columbia

Dr. Stephen Peach, Family practice, Nordell crossing Shopping Center, Delta B.C. Canada, 604-543-0888. A reader writes: "He listens and understand the thyroid issues." (Added Apr 06)

Edmonton, Alberta

Dr. Samuel Weisz Internal Medicine Meadowlark Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Note: Some patients report that this doctor had a wonderful bedside manner, but is completely opposed to the use of natural (Armour) thyroid, and will only prescibe synthetic thyroxine. (March 2009)

A reader writes: "Spends a lot of time at each appointment, concerned more with how I feel than what the test results say." (Added 4/03)

Another reader writes:
"Dr. Samuel Weisz is a wonderful and compassionate man. I eventually ended up in the hospital with such severe muscle cramps and spasms that the Doctor there thought I had Polymyositis and sent me to a Neurologist who stuck a needle in a muscle in my leg to check the electrical impulses to see if I had a muscle disease. It turned out normal. I was bed ridden for nearly a week. Prior to this episode I had seen an Endocrinologist at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton Alberta. I had asked him to add some Cytomel to my regiment of treatment because I was convinced that a lack of triiodiothyronine was responsible for my symptoms.He absolutely refused, I left his office in tears and was really angry thinking how could someone with his university degree not see that I may have been right. I was shocked. My hair was falling out, my skin and hair was dry, my sleep patterns were abnormal, I had continuing muscle cramps and severe aching-all the time, intellectually I couldn't function, I was depressed and nearly felt hopeless. These things started me on a desperate search for someone to help me. I didn't even really think I could find a doctor within Canada much less believe my health could be restored but having no other choice I pressed on. I found Dr. Weisz on this site about three years ago. I went to see him and I was quite ill and exhausted by this time. He listened to me quite attentively for nearly 45 minutes. I told him about the visit I had with the Endocrinologist and Professor who teaches at the University of Alberta Hospital and told him of his absolute refusal to add Cytomel to my treatment and asked him if he would consider trying me on Desiccated Thyroid Hormone. He had no problem with my request and told me that some thyroid patients do not respond to synthetic thyroxine alone. He gave me a prescription for Desiccated Thyroid hormone and I began taking it that day. Within 36 hours after I started taking it the deep cramping I have sent two of my friends to Dr. Samuel Weisz who have had their health restored as well. Thank you for your site and listing Dr. Weisz, he restored my health, and your site led me to him." (May 2008)

Edmonton, Alberta

Dr. Martine Roy, Ob/Gyn, Meadowlark, Edmonton, Alberta, 483-2901. A reader writes: "She is current on the effects of the thyroid on a woman's fertility and was very open to treating my subclinical hypothyroidism incase it was linked to my repeated miscarriages. She has a very open mind and is very supportive. She isn't usually running on time so it takes a while to see her for your appointment but she is the first doctor I found who would listen to me about this problem and I'm now a few weeks away from giving birth to a healthy baby and it's all because she was willing to treat my thyroid issue. She's wonderful!" (Added: June 2004)

Edmonton

Dr. T. Trethart, Nutrional medicine, 10303-65 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 1V1, 1-780-433-7401, A reader writes: "This doctor is willing to work with thyroid replacement therapy which will work for the patient and usually finds that desiccated thyroid medication works best. He also is very knowledgeable about nutritional support required for disorders and optimum health. A very thorough and thoughtful practitioner." (Added June 2005)

Edmonton

Dr. Yakimets, Meadowlark, Edmonton. A reader writes: "He is a wonderful doctor, very compassionate, funny and really helps you relax. He held my hand in the operating room before removing half of my thyroid. GREAT DOCTOR." (Added 1/06)

Fort Erie, Ontario

Dr Maria Cronyn, Naturopathic Doctor, 395 Lakeside Road, Fort Erie Ontario Canada, L2A 4X3 905.994.7031, mcronyn@cogeco.ca

The doctor writes:
"I have been practicing for 10 years in Buffalo NY where thyroid problems are virtually epidemic. I began researching Thyroid treatment in med school and focused my research thesis on this area with focus in Homeopathic treatment. I want to educate women in particular about thyroid health and how it effects the health of their children in utero and throughout their lives." (March 2009)

Kitchener, Ontario

Dr. P.S. Ahuja, M.D. General and Colorectal Surgeon Belgage Medical Building 525 Belmont Ave., West, Suite #108 Kitchener, Ontario N2M 5E2. Shares this reader, "Most informative, kind hearted, and caring of my concerns. Removed 1/2 my thyroid due to a nodule. He was great at time of surgery and where I was cut open on my neck - you can barely tell I had surgery. He was very helpful and kind and he definitely made everything go smoothly. I thanked him so much the day of my follow-up and did mention to him that I would most definitely recommend him for the Top Docs List."

Langley, British Columbia

Dr Scott Tyler, Naturopath, 21641 - 48 Avenue, Langley, BC V3A3M7. 604-530-3130. A reader writes: "I tried for 27 years to get a diagnosis and totally gave up for the last 8 years. This year when my thyroid really hit rock bottom, a friend recommended Dr Tyler to me. He knew without any tests or anything that I was hypothyroid and immediately began to treat me for hypothyroidism and adrenal exhaustion (a direct result of not being diagnosed with hypothyroidism). I have been going to him for the last 2 months and I can see good results. It will take time, though, because I was in the late stages of hypothyroidism. He listens! I have recommended him to so many people and he has helped them as well." (Added 4/03)

Another reader recommends Dr. Tyler:
"I've only seen Dr. Tyler once so far. But I can honestly say I've never known a doctor to listen so intently to my problems. Once we covered everything (the session ran very late, but he was fine with that), he felt confident he can cure me of my thyroid condition (Wilson's Tyroid Syndrome). This is a man whose passion in life is making people feel better by making them healthy. He's also very good at explaining the scientific things." (1/04)

More praise:
"After feeling totally awful for a number of years and seeing a GP for my various health problems (hypothyroidism, Type 2 Diabetes, Low Iron, High Cholesterol, chest pains, etc.) who recommended high doses of iron to improve my blood levels, cholesterol lowering drugs (which I wouldn't take) & after seeing a Gynecologist for excessive blood loss (Gynecologist wanted to perform an ablation along with an IUD), I accidentally discovered Dr. Tyler's name via "googling". In one month my previous blood tests improved from having 10 issues that needed attending to just 1. I did not take any iron pills during this time. My cholesterol levels are now back to normal - - UNBELIEVABLE. I finally have energy. My excessive blood loss has stopped. I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE THE CHANGE IN A MONTH!! I wanted to recommend Dr. Tyler to anyone who has hypothyroidism and is feeling awful. He listened and put all of the pieces of the puzzle together. My health is finally improving. I can't say enough about Dr. Tyler and how grateful I am to have found him." (Added October 2007)

Langley

Dr. LaForge, 21641- 48th Ave. Langley, B.C., 604-530-3130. A reader writes: "Dr. Tyler and his new partner Dr. LaForge make an excellent team. Being treated in their clinic makes you feel like you are part of a family. I have never felt like someone cared about my health as much as I did in their clinic. I thank both doctors for helping me find my new lease on life." (Added 1/06)

Montreal

Doctor Jean-Hughes Brossard, endocrinologist, Rene Levesque Blvd East, Montreal, Canada. A reader writes: "Although he is skeptical about its superiority for my hypothyroidism treatment, I am nevertheless one of the few, among his patients, asking for and getting Cytomel in a combination therapy." (October 2006).

Montreal

Dr. Barry Breger, MD, 1141, boulevard Saint-Joseph Est, Montreal, QC H2J 1L3, Tel. : 514-277-1141. A reader writes: "Dr. Breger is very warm, friendly and understanding. He treats the patient and not the lab results. He prescribes T3 or natural thyroid and is willing to work with the patient until their thyroid dose is optimized. He is an MD, ND and has an excellent understanding of Thyroid and Adrenals. I highly recommend him." (August 2007)

North Bay, Ontario

Joanne Vaughan BSW BSc DSc, Doctorate of Science (Nutrition and Natural Therapies), 740 Stockdale Road, North Bay, Ontario P1B 6L4, 705-476-5357, drjvaughan@healthchannelonline.comwww.healthchannelonline.com, A reader writes: "I am Dr. J. Vaughan's Assistant. I hear, first hand, the incredible support and compassion her clients' feel. I hear comments like: " I have never felt alone again in my health care since I have been coming to you". " I have appreciated your time, your patience and your eye for detail". Dr. Vaughan makes sure her clients experience is a positive one. Dr. Vaughan had the unique experience of working with an esteemed allopathic Physician who worked with natural desiccated thyroid throughout his professional career. She has been using a whole thyroid glandular that is sourced from organic, hormone free sources." (Added Apr 06)

Ottawa, Ontario

Dr. Edward Ragan, GP, complimentary medicine, 150 Billings Avenue, Ottawa. (613) 737-3939
Dr. Edward Ragan is no longer with Nutri-chem but has opened his own private practice. Dr. Ragan was the best thing that happened to me in my fruitless search for a doctor who would listen. He does listen and more importantly does not dismiss your suggestions. He works with you and makes you feel as if you are part of the team involved in making you better. He is no longer located at the wellness hospital however, he has relocated his medical practice to 150 Billings Avenue in Ottawa. His phone number is (613) 737-3939 Kent McLeod's biomedical team is still located at the wellness hospital. They are expensive but worth every single penny. If you have symptoms which you can't readily see but you know you're feeling them, set up an appt. with Kent. He helped me almost overnight. This guy is absolutely amazing and has won numerous awards for his innovative pharmaceutical approach.

A reader writes:
"The whole Biomedical team is a breath of fresh air. They listend to me and ultimately they helped me. They understand thyroid should be measured via FTs, they don't believe in The Church of TSH. They believe adrenals get fatigued. The use bioidentical hormones. Both Dr. Ragan and Kent Macleod (biochemist) took my health to heart. This clinic is private and not covered by OHIP. You get what you pay for." (Added 6/05)

Saint John, New Brunswick

A reader writes: "This news letter is great. I have had problems for 6 years and now as a result of seeing Dr. John Dornan in Saint John, New Brunswick I feel the best I have felt in years. I had Graves’s disease and was treated with RAI. I immediately had complete thyroid failure. I was given Eltroxin and for over a year my GP could not get my levels normal. It turns out my body cannot convert the hormone so I must take T4 and T3 as well as Lopressor to slow my heart down. I was a long time feeling ill but after one appointment with this Dr. I now feel like a million dollars!!!"

Saskatoon, SK

"Dr. Classen, General practice, Lakeside Medical Clinic, 3919 8th St E., Saskatoon, SK Ph: (306) 374-6884. This reader shares the following: "I had a new patient interview with Dr. Classen to see if we would suit each other, after meeting him as a walk-in to get a sinus infection treated. I explained that I was happy to abide by his advice in most matters, but I had researched hypothyroidism extensively and expected to be listened to, at least! That was fine by him. He also said that he had other patients on Parke-Davis desiccated thyroid (Armour, in the States--my jaw almost dropped), though so far none had needed dosage adjustments and he didn't claim to be an expert. He even seems to be interested in exploring alternative health therapies as long as he does not perceive them to be harmful...he suggested the use of zinc gluconate lozenges for a sore throat, and asked me if I was using any alternative therapies for my hypothyroidism. Lastly, I said I really wanted to check my T3 levels since I was on the desiccated thyroid and the T4/T3 proportions were different. He ordered the test along with TSH. The lab sent back my results with a TSH of 0.03 (!!) but with my T3 and T4 in normal levels, about midrange, so he said that since I was feeling good and my levels were good he wouldn't recommend any changes. I could have hugged him! Needless to say, I think this doctor, though still relatively new out of med school (I think), has the makings of a fine Top Doc, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to someone else needing a doctor who will listen and be open-minded. He's GREAT!"

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Dr. Jennifer Tanski, Family Medicine, A-3010 Arlington Avenue, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 306-374-2777. A reader writes: "I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease 14 years ago, and began taking Synthroid. Several doctors and specialists later, my blood tests were as "normal" as ever. I, however, continued to struggle with numerous ailments and symptoms plus weight gain. I recently moved to Saskatoon and started to see Dr. Tanski. At my first physical, Dr. Tanksi's patient interview was the most thorough I had ever experienced. In addition, she was the first doctor ever to reassure me it was not all "in my head". For the first time, blood tests were not the only way to determine if I continued to have under-active thyroid! She had me do basal temperature testing and not one reading was normal! In addition, Dr. Tanski suggested I meet with a compounding pharmacist who also does hormone consulting. I'm just starting desiccated thyroid, selenium, zinc and chromium supplements. I believe this holistic team approach is the future of medicine and cannot believe my luck at having found such a thyroid-informed doctor. This family doctor is one Top Doc!" (June 2006)

For another reader experience, also see listing for Dr. Yuzdepski

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Dr. Yuzdepski, 133 750 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3H3, 306 652-5252, A reader writes: "In March of 2005 I suddenly had a large golf ball size lump in throat after seeing many doctors and testing was removed in sept of 2005. I was told it was a noncancerous nodule and sent home with no follow up what so ever. Went to see my doctor a month after surgery and was complaining of weakness, tiredness, foggy head. I was so weak I could hardly walk up one flight of stairs. gained 20 pounds from day before surgery to one month later. He said he wasn't going to do anything about a metabolism problem! Was told if had stress at home or at work to deal with it. (That it was all in my head) So I kept going back complaining about same problems no help.(all doctors from same clinic in small town.) I was about to give up when I seen this top thyroid doctors site. I researched because I wanted to get better medical care. I know my own body and I knew something was not right. I went to see Doctor Jennifer Tanski she advised T3. She sent me to see Brenda, a compounding pharmacist to see if she could narrow it down. I had a copy of my bloodwork for Brenda to look at from Dr. Tanski. I was told by her it was not in my head! I had classic symptoms of adrenal fatigue and was put on a desiccated thyroid med. As well I was put on adrenal holistic meds to repair my adrenals from 2 years of neglect from not getting proper follow up and medical care. I know it has only been 2 weeks but I could tell the difference within three days. I was told to give them 6 months to a year to help me and I would be a new person; I started to cry and it was tears of joy! Finally I am on the road to recovery, It will still be long but I am now looking forward to everyday. I will take the good with the bad. At least now I have good days. Thanks to Dr.Tanski and to Jennifer Yuzdepski for working together for the benefit of my health." (August 2007)

Surrey, BC

NavI Badesha, Naturopathic Doctor, #150 13737 72 Ave, Surrey, BC, V3W2P2, Ph/Fax: 604 592-4448, newtonnaturopathic.com, drbadesha@yahoo.ca. A reader writes: "Dr. Badesha is a very compassionate man. He took a very thorough history, ordered lab tests and determined that I had low thyroid function. He prescribed a treatment protocol that included desiccated thyroid and adrenal support. Three months later and I feel great. Thank you Dr. Badesha." (Added Dec. 2006)

Toronto/Scarborough Ontario

Dr. Leonard Direnfeld, M.D., Unit 3, 3600 Ellesmere Road, Toronto ON M1C 4Y8, 416 282-5773, "An MD who also deals with Naturopathy. What a wonder he is! After ten years on Synthroid at our first visit he switched me to Armour. I can't believe how well I am feeling. Covered under OHIP unless unusual tests. He also does Chelation therapy for heavy metals and has a Far-Infrared Sauna in his office. He really listens to his patients and is very knowledgeable." (Added Dec. 04)

Another reader writes:
"Dr. Direnfeld is the best! After being on Synthroid for almost 2 years and not feeling well, my previous doctor would not help me anymore. Dr. Direnfeld switched me to Armour (Thyroid) at my first visit! He also deals with naturopathy and reccomended other products that would help boost my thyroid function. He listens to you and asks you if you have any other questions. He is extremely knowledgeable and a very warm and friendly person." (Added 6/05)

Another recommendation:
A reader writes: "Leonard, is one of a kind. He takes the time to get to the bottom of what is going on with your body. I went to him to Armour and that was the only purpose. But, after him asking me approx. 70 questions and suggesting some tests that might reveal the problem, personal calls and follow up. It turns out that my thyroid might have been killed off for no reason at all. I actually am suffering from Adrenal Fatigue. This is a long process to get well, but I feel that I have the best working on my well being. It was a simple saliva test!!!!" (June 2006).

Another reader writes:
I am a RPN (Registered Practical Nurse) who collapsed some 8 years ago....The story is horrendous. I lost my vision, sight, hearing, control of my bodily functions, my ability to walk, and most of my cognitive skills. I was allergic to almost all foods...I was in bed for 8 years unable to get up. I had no appetite and weighed only 118 pounds. I had pneumonia for up to 6 months at a time that did not respond to antibiotics. All of these are symptoms of adrenal failure though I didn't know. I ran the gamut of specialists for each body system... and no one could help. The cost to the health care system must be astronomical! What a disgrace! I had joined this Thyroid Site over 2 years ago... I decided to try Dr. Direnfeld as I had had no success elsewhere and had come to a dead end with the physician I had seen for 8 years...who seemed to have no concept of what I was going through, though I think she saw herself as a progressive physician. I beg to differ. Yes! It is my adrenals primarily and my thyroid secondarily...I say secondarily because I was already on thyroid meds previously whereas my adrenal glands were left untreated. I am on the road to recovery...and I note that another client of his stated it is a long road...and indeed it is and will be. I have lost a huge piece of my life. Had I discovered Dr. Direnfeld sooner I would have had a chance to recover sooner as well. He is most willing to try a variety of therapies. He changed my thyroid meds from synthetic to "natural". I feel this has been beneficial and has addressed the adrenal problem with meds. He DOES LISTEN and will not deny a reasonable and well researched and thought out request. He is willing to try a variety of things as well as common sense practical medicine. He uses the old methods of diagnosis that I learned in nursing...sight, sound, touch and the sense of smell...all these invaluable tools...that most physicians have forgotten about in their race for "testing" at conventional labs. I have to rest and rest...as he says "Energy is like money in the bank...you must put more in before you can take it out". It is such a simple statement but it is part of the key to recovery. I just have to keep reminding myself that on the occasional good day...I must not over extend myself. Dr. Direnfeld is well worth checking out if you are in the Greater Toronto area. He may well save your life as he did mine." (October 2006)

A reader writes:
"My feedback on Dr. Direnfeld is simple. Want to feel better and get your life back, go see Dr. Direnfeld. He puts other conventional doctors to shame with his "out of the box thinking", and not patting you on the back, and telling you that you're fine when you know your not. This Dr. is a Saint, his compassion, and gentle disposition let you know you are in good hands. My advice to you, walk out of any Dr's office that tells you you're fine when your instincts are telling you otherwise. Dr. Direnfeld won't give up on you until you feel better." (August 2007)

More praise:
"Dr. Direnfeld is already listed on the top docs, several times and there is a reason for that. He is exceptional! He has literally saved my life. He did saliva adrenal testing, put me on Cortef and also desiccated thyroid. If you are not well and not being treated properly by your present doc, go see Dr Direnfeld. He will make your life worth living." (Added October 2007)

More fans: "Dr. Direnfeld is up to date on endocrine issues and focused on improving your health, not just prescribing drugs. He works out of his office in Scarborough and is also part of a team of natural/holistic practitioners at The Nasri Chelation and Integrative Medicine Health Centres. There are three locations located in Woodbridge, Scarborough, and Barrie. Www.nasri-integrativemed.com The exact centre locations are on the website. So please check out Dr. Direnfeld. You'll be glad you did!" (May 2008)

Another reader writes:
"I absolutely revere Dr. Direnfeld. He is amazing, kind, brilliant. After years of suffering dizziness, anxiety, nightmares and being told, silly things, like I am drinking too much coffee by a condescending Endocrinologist. I was desperate. Dr. Direnfeld solved it all...BRILLIANT. He is a shining example of a GREAT physician. Thank you for giving me my life back." (May 2008)

Toronto, Ontario

A reader writes" My 'endocrinologist' is Dr. Briones-Urbina at Sunnybrooke Medical Centre. I've called her my "endocrinologist" since it is her job to understand this crime that has been committed in my body. While I don't always agree with her, she is very attentive and spends as much time with her patients as is needed to answer all questions (average appointment is 30 to 45 minutes). Some things she has done include sending me for an echocardiogram re possible mitral valve prolapse (it was confirmed by this test) when my general practitioner was willing to let it go for another year. She is also considering me for an upcoming study at Sunnybrooke regarding combined T4/T3 medication because I continue to experience fatigue / mood changes even though my TSH is normal. She didn't reduce my medication on my last visit even though the test came back below 0.5, because I had a test done 2 months earlier that showed I was at 1.8 (ordered by a different doctor). She was willing to believe that the more recent test may have been an aberration (I'm feeling good so I don't want to reduce my dosage and she listened to that). Some things we disagree on...weight gain is normal when one reaches age 40; there is no evidence of seasonality in the response to thyroid replacement medications (I'm always at the low end of the TSH scale in the summer and at the higher end in the winter...but she says that has nothing to do with anything). Overall, I would recommend her because she listens and explores in depth any symptoms that could be serious, and her opinions are based on proven studies...i.e. she goes by the book. Her tel # is 416-480-4759 and her office is Room 145 in the H Wing at Sunnybrooke Hospital in Toronto."

Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Zolton Rona M.D., Preventative and Nutritional Medicine 1366 Yonge St. Toronto Ont.M4T, 416-920-9241, http://www.highlevelwellness.ca/. "Dr. Rona practices preventative and nutritional medicine. My hyperthyroidism is kept under control with diet and nutritional supplements. He has written a number of books newspaper articles."

Another reader recommends Dr. Rona:
"Dr. Zoltan Rona is easy to talk to, very caring and well-informed. We rode the "Doctor-Specialist- Merry-Go-Round" in Nova Scotia for too long, and in desperation, flew our son to Toronto to see Dr Rona. Finally a doctor who recognized that my son was physically sick. We are very thankful Dr. Rona was able to identify my son's extreme case of adrenal insufficiency. Thank you Dr. Rona." (added 1/04)

NOTE: People should be aware that Dr. Zolton Rona can be very expensive. According to some patients, "she charges $523 above what OHIP covers for the first visit, which you have to pay out of your own pocket!" (April 2006)

Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Alvin Pettle -- no longer listed (May 2008)

Toronto, Ontario

Dr. David Posen, Family Practice, Bayview, Toronto, 416-222-9955, "He is the best." (Added 4/04).

Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Duncan Gordon, Endocrinology, Toronto Western Hospital, 416-603-5866. A reader writes: "Dr. Gordon is an experienced Endocrinologist who cares." (Added 6/05)

Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Natasha Turner B.Sc., ND, Clinic Director and Owner, ClearMedicine, 123 Dupont Street, Toronto, ON M5R 1V4, 416 579 9105, www.clearmedicine.com

Says Dr. Turner:

"We have a 12 week program that's aimed at restoring total hormonal balance, which involves integrated medical care from a ND, MD and fitness expert. Every aspect of the program from nutrition to the exercise has been specially created to promote optimal hormonal balance." (March 2009)

A reader writes:

"She completely understands and recognizes the connection between the thyroid and the delicate interplay with other hormones of the body. Her approach works to balance blood sugar, stress hormones, sex hormones and thyroid hormones. She is thorough in her approach and sympathetic to thyroid patients because she has hypothyroidism and polycystic ovarian disease herself." (Added 6/05)

Toronto, Ontario

Dr Marcha Werb, Endocrinology &metabolism, 586 Eglinton Ave East, Canada, 416-322-2198.
Note: this doctor is very heavily booked, as long as six or more months in advance, and it is difficult to get an appointment. (March 2009)

A reader writes: "I've seen Dr. Werb for around 2 years and I have found her not only very approachable but also knowledgeable. My Thyroid levels were within the normal range, but I still showed all the symptoms of being hypothyroid. She kept listening to me and now for the first time in almost a decade I feel well. I also find she is willing to look at all possible avenues instead of taking a very narrow approach to my health." (Added 6/05)

Toronto

Dr. Danny Trinh, 118 Eglinton Ave West, Ste 600, Toronto, ON, 416 789-9188 A reader writes: "Dr. Trinh works in a clinic with a team of doctors that deals only with metabolism issues. He and his team are very knowledgeable and receptive to patients with thyroid conditions that are undertreated. There are 3 such Metabolism Clinics around the city." (Added June 2005)

Toronto

Sushma Shah, naturopathic medicine, 1849 Yonge Street, Suite 511, Toronto, Ontario, M4S1Y2, 416 913 4325, http://www.naturesintentionsnaturopathy.com. A reader writes: "Great doctor - she is patient, a great listener, and a firm believer to treating by first finding out the root cause of the problem, she does all the blood test necessary to find out what exactly is wrong first and then treats accordingly using natural medicines." (Added 1/06)

Vancouver, British Columbia

Dr. Karen Jensen, ND, Menopause/Adrenals/Thyroid, 16th Avenue and MacDonald, Vancouver, British Columbia, Tel: (604)742-0800, http://drkarenjensen.com "Her excellent naturopathic skills and focused attention on her patients is well-known in the alternative health field, plus she has written two books on menopause that are the best I’ve ever read on the subject. Dr. Jensen has also co-written a book and co-created health products with Dr. Lorna Vanderhaeghe." (Added 4/04)

Vancouver B.C.

Dr. David Thompson, Endocrinology, UBC Hospital, 604-875-5996. A reader writes: "He actually cares to listen to your life history and assesses you that way, as well as through all the regular tests. He relies mostly on how you are feeling. When I had seen him, after seeing many, many doctors, I finally felt that someone was listening to me and wanting to help. Someone finally understood. It was such a quick diagnosis as well! Everytime, he's wonderful!" (Added 6/05)

A reader writes:
"Dr. Thompson understands exactly what having hypothyroidism is about. He listens, and takes the time to explain what is happening in your body. He understands that the "weight issues" that come with this disease don't just disappear when we receive medication. He is constantly working on trying to find ways to "fix" the weight problem, or to make it easier for us to manage. He seems to genuinely care, and it really makes a difference. I won't go to anyone else." (Added Dec. 2006)

A reader writes:
"I saw Dr Thompson with a variety on other factors complicating being stabilized, from perimenopause, PTSD & adrenal shock, Depression. When given medications my body most often has the opposite reaction eg: The higher the synthroid dose, the MORE hypo I would go, with hyper symptoms. It was very exhausting and confusing. Dr. Thompson has treated me with medications other than synthroid, such as cytomel and works with how you feel rather than tests. He listens to you and what could be impacting your health and suggests different methods to approach the problem. He's the best Doctor I've seen." (August 2007)

Vancouver

Dr Elizabeth Crosby, General practice/internist/primary care, 2578 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6H 3G8 604-733-4700

A reader writes:
"I have been searching for years for a good doctor in Vancouver who understands thyroid issues. I am delighted to say I have finally found one. Hooray for Dr Elizabeth Crosby!" (March 2009)

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Dr. John Moorhouse -- NO LONGER LISTED (retired)

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Latest Thyroid News From Mary Shomon